US President Donald Trump has strongly backed Israel, calling it a key strategic ally amid rising tensions in the region.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven themselves to be a GREAT ally to the United States of America. They are brave, courageous, loyal and smart, and unlike others who have shown their true colors in times of conflict and stress, Israel fights hard and knows how to WIN!”
The statements come against a backdrop of increasing friction involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Kamala Harris slams Trump over Iran war
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris made a strong political statement on Saturday, claiming that Trump was “dragged into war” with Iran due to the influence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking at a women’s luncheon at Detroit’s Huntington Place during the Democratic convention in Michigan, she also criticized Trump for damaging the United States’ relations with its allies, calling him an “insecure man” during her remarks.
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Harris said, “Trump entered a war — and got Bibi Netanyahu dragged into it, let’s be clear — that the American people did not want. Among its many consequences is raising the price of gas.”
Trump says Iran ‘is kind of cute’
Trump said Saturday that Iran “was a little cute” but that “very good” talks were underway and more information would be forthcoming by the end of the day. “They can’t blackmail us,” he added, according to the AP agency.
On Friday, Trump said the U.S. would go to Iran and “get all the nuclear dust,” referring to enriched uranium believed to be buried under nuclear sites badly damaged by U.S. military strikes last year.
Read also | Trump criticizes NATO, allies, says he “doesn’t understand anything without pressure”
The landscape of the region continues to be burdened with complexities, particularly with regard to negotiations on cease-fire protocols and the security of maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
While the communication stopped short of identifying specific nations, it appeared to make a clear distinction between Israeli persistence and the perceived vacillation of other international partners.
What is happening in Iran?
Iran on Saturday reversed its move to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, firing on a tanker trying to pass through and warning it would block transit as long as the US blockade of its ports continued.
Uncertainty over the vital shipping route risked worsening the global energy crisis and increasing the chances of renewed conflict, even as mediators signaled optimism about a possible deal.
Iran’s Joint Military Command said control of the strait had returned to the strict supervision of its armed forces.
Meanwhile, two Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired on a passing tanker, although the vessel and crew were reported safe. Several vessels, including an Indian-flagged supertanker, were forced to turn back, according to the AP.
Iran says that “any attempt to sail through the Hotmuz Strait…”
As AFP reported, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any attempt to sail through the Strait of Hormuz without permission “will be considered collaboration with the enemy and the offending vessel will be targeted.”
Only a few oil and gas tankers managed to pass through the strait during the brief reopening on Saturday, according to monitoring data. Later in the day, most of the vessels withdrew, with maritime surveillance platforms showing minimal movement across the key waterway, AFP reported.
Britain’s Maritime Safety Agency said the Revolutionary Guards had opened fire on one tanker, while security firm Vanguard Tech said the force also threatened to “destroy” an empty cruise ship trying to leave the bay.
Read also | The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the port blockade is lifted, Iran says
In a separate incident, a British agency said it had received information about a vessel hit by an unidentified projectile that damaged shipping containers but did not start a fire.
Trump entered the war – and let Bibi Netanyahu drag him into it, let’s be clear.
Iran’s foreign ministry said the supplies, believed to have been buried deep under the rubble of US bombing during last June’s 12-day war, “will not be transferred anywhere”, adding that handing them over “has never been raised by the US in negotiations”.
The Middle East war began on February 28 with a large-scale wave of US and Israeli surprise strikes on Iran, even as Washington and Tehran were still negotiating.
Key things
- The relationship between the US and Israel is increasingly important amid escalating regional tensions.
- The leaders’ political rhetoric reflects deep differences in American foreign policy regarding the Middle East.
- Iran’s military actions in the Strait of Hormuz indicate a growing threat to global shipping and energy security.
